WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2013 – Domestic manufacturers and importers of paper and paper-based packaging have voted to approve a new Paper and Paper-Based Packaging Promotion, Research and Information Order.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) held a referendum from Oct. 28, 2013, to Nov. 8, 2013, to determine if stakeholders favored implementing the order. The program was approved by 85 percent of those voting, representing 95 percent of the volume of paper and paper-based packaging represented in the referendum.

The program will cover four industry segments: printing and writing (except for newsprint); kraft packaging paper (used for products such as grocery bags and sacks); containerboard (used to make shipping containers and related products); and paperboard (used for food and beverage packaging, tubes, and other miscellaneous products). The program excludes carbonless paper.

A 12-member board will administer the program. The board will be responsible for carrying out activities intended to raise awareness about and highlight the renewability, recyclability and reusability of paper and paper-based packaging. Once the order becomes effective, AMS will begin the board nomination process. For more information, contact Kimberly C. Spriggs by phone at (202) 720-9915, toll free at (888) 720-9917 or e-mail at Kimberly.Spriggs@ams.usda.gov.

Research and Promotion Programs are industry-funded, authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 20 research and promotion boards. They empower agricultural industries, including the forest products industry, by establishing a framework for them to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight, ensuring fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/FVPromotion to learn more about research and promotion programs.